Being a dog trainer is no easy task.
It requires a few key characteristics in the trailer: patience, love, lack of fear, and care for every dog that they come in contact with.
Trying to teach an animal to do specific tasks, now that’s on another level.
But maybe you’re up for the task, as tedious as it is.
Let’s see if you have the nerve, courage, and patience to deal with all sorts of pups!
Table of Contents
How to Become a Dog Trainer in Rhode Island?
Every start is hard, so we will help you with your first few steps.
By following the suggestions you are sure to have a stable beginning to your career as a dog trainer
Step 1: Volunteer
The best way to get a feel for the job is by working on it.
You can start as a volunteer with professionals or organizations.
This way you will assure yourself that you are made for this job firsthand.
You will learn the pros and cons of the job as well from the professionals’ experience through the years.
Step 2: Learn about dog behavior
You can dive into the books and studies of animal psychology while you volunteer.
There is plenty of material online and in libraries, you can use to learn how some breeds and ages of dogs act in certain situations.
However, every dog has its history and personality, so keep that in mind while training them.
Step 3: Start an internship or a job
Once you feel steady you can apply for a real job or an internship.
The longer you are in the field the better, because you will gain more and more experience.
Never forget to attend workshops and classes, they might come in handy.
Learning is after all a lifetime process.
Step 4: Get certified
You can get certified through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
This way your clients will know that they are working with a professional, and will spread the word about you.
Dog Training Schools in Rhode Island
Even though formal education is not needed for this job there are a few certified programs around the US that can help you further your knowledge in the field.
Through this, you will gain more experience and you can also exchange your work with colleagues.
Penn Foster
You can complete their Dog Obedience Trainer Program in as little as 7 months.
With this program, you can take your first steps in your career as a dog trainer.
The program is affordable and accredited.
It is also online which means you can study whenever and wherever you please.
ISCDT
Their training curriculum is designed to provide you with the structure you need to get started and then advance as you move along through the program leading to the certification at the end of the course.
The curriculum consists of 18 detailed lessons that prepare you to work in the field of dog training.
Their written courses are designed to take you through a multitude of dog training topics, from breeds and characteristics to unraveling various behavioral
issues.
They also provide video materials as a visual guide through your learning process.
You will also get video and written assignments as homework.
The tuition for the course is $499.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 USA |
| ISCDT | Online |
Salary
The pay on an annual level ranges from $33,224 to $40,039, varying depending on your experience, the city you live in, and how many customers you have.
The average yearly salary in Rhode Island for dog trainers is $36,580.
The pay all around Rhhode Island is uniform, at about $36,700 for each city.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $36,755 |
| Warwick | $36,755 |
| Cranston | $36,755 |
| Pawtucket | $36,755 |
| East Providence | $36,755 |
| Woonsocket | $36,720 |
| Coventry | $36,685 |
| North Providence | $36,755 |
| Cumberland | $36,755 |
| West Warwick | $36,755 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 50 | $38,890 | $18.7 | $56,320 | $31,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to learn to become a professional dog trainer?
Learning is a process that continues throughout your whole life.
There isn’t a solid period where you start and stop.
Depending on how good you are with animals it can take from a week to a few years in order for you to become good at it as well as certified.
Do I need formal education as a dog trainer in Rhode Island?
No, you do not need a formal education, although it is better to attract clients.
If you do go to workshops, classes, and courses, make sure they’re certified.
You can join the Association of Professional Dog Trainers as well where you can become certified yourself!
How can I become a Professional Dog Trainer in Rhode Island?
To become a professional dog trainer in Rhode Island you will first need to be patient and calm.
You do not need proper formal education to become a dog trainer, but it will be good for your progress in the field if you visit seminars, classes, and workshops.
Make sure they are certified, and even if they’re not, attend them if you think they will teach you something.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State
